Game Preview: Canadiens @ Lightning - Game 3 - Round 2

The Canadiens will try to reduce the Lightning’s series lead to just one game on Wednesday in Tampa.

Following a 6-2 loss on Sunday in which the Habs took 13 penalties while giving up four power play goals, discipline will be key in the Sunshine State if the series is to return to Montreal for Game 5.

The Habs face a tough test in the Lightning, who finished the regular season with the best home record in the NHL, losing just nine games at Amalie Arena in 2014-15.

David Desharnais’ status for Game 3 is still unclear. Replaced in the lineup by Brian Flynn on Sunday because of a virus, Desharnais did not travel with the team on Monday, instead arriving solo in Tampa on Tuesday. The 28-year-old center declared himself ready to play following Wednesday’s morning skate, but Michel Therrien indicated that Desharnais’ availability would be a game-time decision.

Montreal’s defense, meanwhile, should remain unchanged from Sunday.

The Habs have comeback for an 0-2 series deficit five times in franchise history, including in 2004 most recently against the Boston Bruins.